Message Board - Golf: UNDERVALUED !!
14 Feb 2008 by donald
This is an advert in our local paper. SEASONAL GROUNDS Maintenance staff required to work out of Hexham (about 20 miles west of Newcastle ) tractor driving or "ride-on" experience. Own transport is preferred.. And for all of this what is the hourly rate? £5.52. What a disgrace!
14 Feb 2008 by ember243
There are probably plenty of Eastern Europeans, Australians or New Zealanders over here who will fill the places.
No doubt they will get what they pay for and it will cost them a fortune in machinery maintenance when they have screwed it up.
15 Feb 2008 by Neil Dixon
Ember, you make it sound as though because someone is a qualified Groundsman they dont break machinery!!!!!
15 Feb 2008 by chrismitchell
Qualified, Irelevant. Experianced and skilled, far less likely to abuse equipment and definately would not work for £5.52 per hour.
Chris
You will never see a statue in honour of a committee.
15 Feb 2008 by alexmac Last edited 15 Feb 2008
Hi Donald,
It would seem the pinch is hitting most industries and our's is no different.
We have placed a huge emphasis on training and development to a point where we are more qualifed than ever which is a great thing and has helped in our attempt to gain the recognition we deserve.
However as the pinch begins to hit the industry employers are asking, do we need qualified guys? Can we not employ unexperienced labour and give them a good level of basic training?
The savings are obvious but is it a short term saving? And of course it has a serious effect on our image as mere grass cutters!
I am not advocating this mindset, but it seems to be on the increase which for our industry is worrying.
Regards
Alex
15 Feb 2008 by chrismitchell
Only problem I have experienced with going that route Alex, is that someone has to spend time training and giving constant supervision. This ties up an experienced member of staff who has a far higher work output rate than the trainee. Sure, it does depend on how big your team is, but for the average club where a small staff work individualy, it could prove counter productive. That has been my experience but it may well be different for others.
Chris
You will never see a statue in honour of a committee.
15 Feb 2008 by Steve63
Chris,
sounds like the old adage, "if you want a job doing properly, do it yourself"
Last year we went from two seasonal workers for 36 weeks each, to one full time member of staff who is skilled, far better work output over the year.
Regards
Steve
Don't talk to me about Contractors Wonka, I am one myself......
16 Feb 2008 by chrismitchell
Steve, sad situation really but unfortunately that is the reallity of it. It also makes it difficult to take on school leavers for the same reason. I have taken school leavers in the past and trained them up and have a number that are now course managers. Because of the current economic climate it is just not viable.
Chris
You will never see a statue in honour of a committee.
16 Feb 2008 by Rob Goodes
settle down with the aussie an kiwis who will work for 5.52 ember lol
the wages in UK are a disgrace an mimium wage is a joke.
How do greenkeepers earn a living!!! ;-)
19 Feb 2008 by Sumomosr
Am also taking umbridge at the slight on Australasians Ember.
The Poms down here aren't necessarily all that crash-hot.
The operator who neatly parked our Rough mower down a bank and through some bush to rest between two trees and which had to be felled to extricate it was ... a Pom.
So to was the Herbert who arrived on-site to 'labour' for our drainage contractor wearing 'trainers' and a severe case of sunburn. Sent away to get some Safety Boots etc he returned to work for a day, without a hat, and we never saw him again...
GOGGA
19 Feb 2008 by donald
Nice to know some things never change. You tell them John. !This site has been the poorer since you went back to New Zealand . 
19 Feb 2008 by dave r-b Last edited 19 Feb 2008
Steve63, you will see where im coming from with this as with you i to work for the council. ive just found out today from the area manager that the fffffff road sweepers (1 man and a push cart) is on more than a qualified groundsman.
"UNION MAN"
Anyone got a spare brush
im now an ex groundsman but hey old habits die hard
Back to Top - Go to Next Unread Message
This Message is closed, you may not post a reply at this time
